Lower jump height option in Agility introduced by The Kennel Club

A new lower height option for agility jumps is being introduced
by the Kennel Club, effective from 1st July 2016, which will allow
agility shows to include a lower height jump for each competition
size.

For some time now, there has been a call for the introduction of
an additional jump height of 55cm for large dogs (which has been
popularly referred to amongst agility competitors as the 'fourth
height'). There have also been representations to consider a
further height to be introduced below the current 35cm small dog
height. The decision to introduce a lower jump height option
will allow for this to happen.

Representations made to the Kennel Club regarding jump heights
have raised the opportunity to address issues for all heights of
dog. In order to provide substantiated advice regarding the
jump height debate, the Kennel Club has commissioned research to
fully understand the impact of jump heights on dogs. This research
is likely to take some considerable time before it is concluded and
the findings made available to inform the debate.

Kathryn Symns, Kennel Club Canine Activities Executive, said: "We
have listened to ongoing representations made by agility
competitors to inform the introduction of the new lower height
option, and this decision will allow shows to schedule this height
at their discretion.

"It is important that any changes to the regulations do not
detract from what is already on offer at agility shows, as many
competitors believe that there are currently no issues associated
with jump heights for their dogs, and therefore wish the status quo
to be maintained.

"It is also imperative that show organisers retain the choice over
what they schedule. This change allows for the new height,
whilst competitors still have a choice of jump height which they
believe to be suitable for their dog."

Definitions of classes. Classes that will include
the Lower Height Option must be specified together with whether
there will be separate awards for each height.

(Insertion in bold).

Insert new Regulation H(1)(A)4. and renumber accordingly.

All rounds of a Championship Agility Class and any Kennel
Club heat, semi-final or final must be run at Full
Height.

(Insertion in bold).

Insert new Regulation H(1)(A)7 and renumber accordingly.

Lower Height Option.Societies
may offer the Lower Height Option to all dogs in that height
category and may be offered at all grades. It is to be run as part
of any Standard class as defined in these regulations and must be
clearly identified in the schedule. When the Lower Height Option is
scheduled a dog may only be entered at either the Full height or at
the Lower Height and cannot compete at a different height in any
class at that competition. For these purposes a competition
shall be defined as all classes covered within the same
schedule. Each relevant class will have two heights with a
change part way through to higher/lower the jump heights and
competitors must run at their entered height. The order in
which the heights will run must be detailed on the ring cards/ring
plan. There will be only one course walking at the start of the
class. In a class where the Lower Height Option is available show
organisers may offer one set of awards by combining the results of
each height or may offer separate awards for each height
category.

(Insertion in bold).

H(1)(A)8. Progression (was previously H(1)(A)6.)

Progression. Progression from each Grade
will require one Agility win or three Jumping wins in standard
classes at that grade, at either Full height or the Lower
Height Option, except that progression from Grade 5 will
require 3 wins at Grade 5, one of which must be an agility class.
Progression from Grade 6 will require 4 wins at Grade 6, two of
which must be agility classes. Results from Combined Classes will
only count towards progression from the dog's current grade.

(Insertion in bold).

H(1)(A)10. Standard Classes (was previously H(1)(A)8.)
h. Championship Class. Open to dogs having qualified to
compete in Grade 7 which have had 4 wins at Full Height in
either Grade 6 or Grade 7, at least 2 of which must be gained in
agility classes. To consist of 2 qualifying rounds of
Standard Kennel Club Classes, 1 Agility Class and 1 Jumping Class
and a final round of Agility to be held at the same Show.

(Insertion in bold).

H(1)(B)1. Courses.
c. No practice is allowed on the course save that competitors will
be allowed to walk the course set at the height the dog is to
negotiate without their dog(s) before the class begins.
Hurdles will be raised / lowered during the course walking
time if multiple heights are offered within the same
class.

(Insertion in bold).

H(1)(B)3. Obstacles
a. Hurdle-The height of the hurdle must be 650mm
(2ft 1.6ins) (550mm (1ft 9.6ins) for Lower Height
Option) for Large Dogs, 450mm (1ft 5.7ins) (350mm
(1ft 1.75ins) for Lower Height Option) for Medium Dogs and
350mm (1ft 1.75ins) (250mm (9.8ins) for Lower Height
Option) for Small Dogs. Width: 1.219m (4ft) minimum. The
top bar or plank must be easily displaced by the dog. A wall should
have displaceable units on the top. The height of hurdles in
special classes may be lower than those listed above, but the
height must be included in the schedule.

(Insertions in bold).

These regulations will not apply to Kennel Club 'prestige events',
at which there is a high value to the awards offered. Kennel Club
prestige events are those held at Premier Shows, including heats
for Crufts, Olympia or Eukanuba Discover Dogs, such as Crufts
Singles, Crufts ABC etc.

In addition, schedules must be updated to include the following
statement:

Insert new Regulation H(10)c.(12) and renumber accordingly.

Dog Agility is a competitive and physically strenuous
activity. It is the responsibility of the owner / handler to ensure
their dog is 'fit for function' and that they themselves are fit to
take part. By signing the entry form you confirm that to the best
of your knowledge your dog is fit and able to take part in Agility
classes on the day of the show."